Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Old Malden

Man with Van Old Malden is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow when carrying out removals, deliveries and related services within our operating areas.

We recognise that our work involves manual handling, vehicle use, work in and around homes, offices and communal areas, and that these activities can present hazards if not properly controlled. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property through careful planning, training and supervision.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this Health and Safety policy are to:

Identify and manage risks associated with our removal and transport services.
Protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees and anyone who may be affected by our work.
Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to enable safe working practices.
Promote a positive safety culture based on responsibility, co operation and continuous improvement.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Old Malden is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes:

Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for removal activities.
Providing and maintaining vehicles, tools and equipment in a safe condition.
Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment where required.
Ensuring that employees receive adequate training, information and supervision.
Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and taking corrective action.
Reviewing this policy periodically and updating it as our services and regulations evolve.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided.
Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.
Adopt safe manual handling techniques at all times, including when under time pressure.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards to management without delay.
Co operate with management in implementing this policy and any safety improvements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man with Van Old Malden conducts risk assessments for typical activities involved in our services, including loading and unloading, carrying items through properties, working in stairwells or tight spaces, and operating in busy streets or shared access areas.

Where site specific risks are identified, such as restricted parking, narrow access, heavy or unusual items, or shared entrances, we will plan the work to reduce risks as far as is reasonably practicable. This may involve adjusting team size, using additional equipment or altering the timing of the work to minimise disruption and hazards.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a central part of removal services, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques. Our measures include:

Training staff in correct posture, lifting and carrying methods.
Encouraging team lifts for heavy, bulky or awkward items.
Using trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids whenever appropriate.
Avoiding unnecessary carrying by planning loading routes carefully.
Refusing to move items that present an unacceptable risk to staff or other persons.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and are operated with safety as a priority. Man with Van Old Malden ensures that:

Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained in roadworthy condition.
Drivers hold appropriate licences and are familiar with the vehicles they operate.
Loads are secured safely to prevent movement during transit.
Routes and parking arrangements are planned to reduce the need for reversing and manoeuvring in confined spaces where possible.
Drivers follow road traffic laws, maintain safe speeds and drive with consideration for other road users and local communities.

Customer Premises, Access and Public Safety

Work often takes place in occupied homes, offices and shared buildings. To protect customers, visitors and the wider public, we:

Keep access routes as clear as possible and avoid creating trip hazards with tools or packing materials.
Use safe techniques when moving items on stairs, in corridors and through doorways.
Take care to prevent damage to property, fixtures and fittings that could create hazards.
Communicate clearly with customers about any short term restrictions to access during loading or unloading.
Remain courteous and considerate to neighbours and members of the public while operating in local streets and shared spaces.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Old Malden provides ongoing training and guidance to ensure that all staff understand and can apply our health and safety standards. This includes:

Induction training covering general safety responsibilities and company procedures.
Role specific training on manual handling, equipment use and vehicle operation.
Toolbox talks and briefings to address particular jobs, seasonal conditions or recurring issues.
Supervision and performance monitoring to confirm that safe methods are being followed in practice.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We record and review these events to identify underlying causes and implement preventative measures.

Staff are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, road traffic incidents or structural damage at a property. This includes contacting the appropriate emergency services and following any site specific instructions from building managers or customers.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Health and safety is an ongoing commitment. Man with Van Old Malden regularly reviews its procedures, risk assessments and training in light of operational experience, changes to industry practice and any new legislative requirements.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains suitable, effective and aligned with the nature and scale of our removal activities and the expectations of customers within our service areas.